Fall 2023

Some people think that certain policy issues should be managed at the state level rather than the local level. Others think local home rule is more important. When it comes to zoning for renewable energy projects, how do you think authority should be divided between the local and state levels of government for the parameters for renewable energy projects (e.g., required setbacks, sound limits)? (Among jurisdictions that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

To what extent do you agree or disagree that your jurisdiction has sufficient access to legal 
counsel on renewable energy siting matters? (Among jurisdiction that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues and are responsible for their own planning and/or zoning)

To what extent do you agree or disagree that your jurisdiction has sufficient access to expertise to review renewable energy site plans? (Among jurisdiction that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues and are responsible for their own planning and/or zoning)

To what extent do you agree or disagree that your jurisdiction’s government has sufficient 
information to zone for renewable energy? (Among jurisdiction that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues and are responsible for their own planning and/or zoning)

Would you say lack of interest among local officials is a barrier to your jurisdiction developing specific energy policies? (among jurisdictions that have not at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Would you say costs associated with developing energy policies are a barrier to your jurisdiction developing specific energy policies? (among jurisdictions that have not at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Would you say lack of expertise to develop energy policies is a barrier to your jurisdiction developing specific energy policies? (among jurisdictions that have not at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Would you say other priorities being more important at this time is a barrier to your jurisdiction developing specific energy policies? (Among jurisdictions which have not at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

If more resources (e.g., funding, technical assistance, workshops, etc.) were readily available to your jurisdiction, do you think that would make a difference in your consideration or adoption of local policies regarding energy? (Among jurisdictions that have not at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

To what extent do you think the State of Michigan’s Energy Codes should be strengthened, eased, or remain unchanged?

When it comes to setting energy codes for buildings, how do you think authority should be divided between the local and state levels of government?

To the best of your knowledge, do you agree or disagree that building inspectors who operate in your jurisdiction struggle to enforce the current energy codes set by the State of Michigan?

Would you say lack of interest among residents is a barrier to your jurisdiction developing specific energy policies? (among jurisdictions that have not at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Would your jurisdiction find access to technical experts on local impacts of energy (e.g., on wildlife, property values, sound levels, etc.) useful for planning and/or zoning on energy issues? (Among jurisdiction that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues and are responsible for their own planning and/or zoning)

Some people think that certain policy issues should be managed at the state level rather than the local level. Others think local home rule is more important. When it comes to zoning for renewable energy projects, how do you think authority should be divided between the local and state levels of government for conducting public hearings on proposed renewable energy projects for a community? (Among jurisdictions that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Would your jurisdiction find training for jurisdiction staff or officials (e.g., interactive webinars, county-level in-person trainings, etc.) useful for planning and/or zoning on energy issues? (Among jurisdiction that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues and are responsible for their own planning and/or zoning)

Some people think that certain policy issues should be managed at the state level rather than the local level. Others think local home rule is more important. When it comes to zoning for renewable energy projects, how do you think authority should be divided between the local and state levels of government for where renewable energy belongs in a community (e.g., which zoning districts)? (Among jurisdictions that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Some people think that certain policy issues should be managed at the state level rather than the local level. Others think local home rule is more important. When it comes to zoning for renewable energy projects, how do you think authority should be divided between the local and state levels of government for the types of renewable energy that belong in a community (e.g., wind vs. solar)? (Among jurisdictions that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Some people think that certain policy issues should be managed at the state level rather than the local level. Others think local home rule is more important. When it comes to zoning for renewable energy projects, how do you think authority should be divided between the local and state levels of government for whether or not to have large renewable energy projects in a community? (Among jurisdictions that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Some people think that certain policy issues should be managed at the state level rather than the local level. Others think local home rule is more important. When it comes to zoning for renewable energy projects, how do you think authority should be divided between the local and state levels of government for whether or not to have any renewable energy projects in a community? (Among jurisdictions that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Would your jurisdiction find templates (e.g., Master Plan language, sample public engagement surveys, etc.) useful for planning and/or zoning on energy issues? (Among jurisdiction that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues and are responsible for their own planning and/or zoning)

Would your jurisdiction find additional funds or grants (e.g., for public engagement activities, for hiring planning or legal consultants, etc.) useful for planning and/or zoning on energy issues? (Among jurisdiction that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues and are responsible for their own planning and/or zoning)

Some county governments engage in land use planning and/or have county-zoned townships. Other counties don’t plan or zone at all. Does your county government have a Master Plan and/or any county-zoned townships? (Among counties that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Some jurisdictions engage in land use planning and/or zoning. Others rely on their county government, or their jurisdiction doesn’t have planning and zoning at all. Is your jurisdiction responsible for its own land use planning and/or zoning?(Among cities, townships, and villages that have at least considered plans / policies regarding energy issues)

Which of the following changes to current state policy, if any, would help your jurisdiction meet its energy goals? (check all that apply) (among jurisdictions which have or are considering renewable energy goals or requirements) g. Other

Which of the following changes to current state policy, if any, would help your jurisdiction meet its energy goals? (check all that apply) (among jurisdictions which have or are considering renewable energy goals or requirements) f. Don't know

Which of the following changes to current state policy, if any, would help your jurisdiction meet its energy goals? (check all that apply) (among jurisdictions which have or are considering renewable energy goals or requirements) e. Supporting independent microgrids

Which of the following changes to current state policy, if any, would help your jurisdiction meet its energy goals? (check all that apply) (among jurisdictions which have or are considering renewable energy goals or requirements) d. Significantly upgrading electric grid infrastructure that serves your community

Which of the following changes to current state policy, if any, would help your jurisdiction meet its energy goals? (check all that apply) (among jurisdictions which have or are considering renewable energy goals or requirements) c. Changes to state building codes designed to reduce energy use or decarbonize

Which of the following changes to current state policy, if any, would help your jurisdiction meet its energy goals? (check all that apply) (among jurisdictions which have or are considering renewable energy goals or requirements) b. Allowing for community solar projects or installations